&#34;Astro Patch&#34;- Astrological or Zodiac Sign Appliques to be Attached to and/or Worn on Garments and other Cloth-like Materials

ABSTRACT

A unique method of divulging and fashioning one&#39;s astrological or zodiac sign; as well as one&#39;s related symbols &amp; associated traits. To provide a profile image with greater social definition, class and style; to include an exhilarated depiction of the astrological or zodiac symbols with each individual sign having its own powerful, descriptive and sophisticated title and/or a unique delineation and layout of one&#39;s positive traits. This classy methodology is fashionable, impressive and at the same time, reflects positively the personality, romanticism and habitual tendencies of the sexes. 
     This fashionable methodology and its functionality are structured in a woven label applique format with a heat sealed backing {The word applique′ or appliques′ when used, shall also be construed to mean “Astro-Patch” or “Astro-Patches” when referred to in the singular or plural context as appropriate}. These heat-activated appliques are created in variable sizes, colors, and shapes. They are manufactured to be worn on variable types of garments, apparel and other materials as applicable. This high fashion potential idea is not generally seen in retail stores because of the complexities and the challenges of providing garments in the sizes needed; including the meaningful theory required by astrology or the zodiac. For instance, an individual&#39;s Virgo Sign denotes “The Virgin” as being symbolic of its characteristics. This may bring about reluctance from The Virgo Male to display such an image on fashionable wearing apparel. This methodology addresses this stigma, in that it provides for both female and male applique versions and promote total astrological pride, as well as depicts a class act in both male and female fashions. 
     The “Astro-Patch” also provide retail merchants with an economical solution to a non-practical stock supply and maintenance issue. e.g., for each astrological or zodiac sign, a retail merchant needs five (or more) sized garments (i.e., small, medium, large, X-large &amp; XX-large—not to mention 3X &amp; 4X etc.). Each size has twelve (12) astrological or zodiac signs. This mean, in order for a retailer, for instance, to maintain an adequate stock of just 10 separate sized garments, the retailer needs as many as six-hundred (600) items in stock. This is not practical. However, through use of my “Astro-Patch” methodology, one (1) size fits all. The merchant needs ONLY FIFTY (50) VARIABLE SIZED GARMENTS. Its cost effective, conserves space and dramatically limits the number of garments required by retailers to be maintained on store shelves and racks. And allows the astrological or zodiac symbols and their associated traits to be fashionable at the store or retail level and sold more readily on a wide scale basis without special order requirements. 
     The “Astro-Patches” are strong, lightweight and thin; they are made of 100% polyester or other suitable materials or fabric; and from a side angled view, they have an approximate breadth of only 0.675 mm in thickness. The iron-on “Astro-Patches” or appliques are created with use of existing embroidery technology and can be applied to or worn on virtually any cloth-like garment, wearing apparel or cloth-like materials. When adhered to materials, their thin-like appearance emulates Raised Printing as well as emblems that are manufactured onto garments or other suitable cloth-like products. Once adhered, they are extremely challenging to the naked eye to distinguish between the appliques and the materials on which the appliques are attached.

The woven label appliques are manufactured to specifications,pre-packaged, distributed, and to be sold primarily at the retaillevels; i.e., department stores, boutiques and other retail outletstores. The Astro-Patch may eventually be sold via Internet, mail orderand by other retail outlet methods, etc. These heat activated wovenlabel appliques are made of 100% polyester. And such appliques may alsobe made of any other woven or embroidered fabric materials, includingbut not limited to cotton, nylon, rayon, silk; whether copied onto felt,twill, PVC, plastic, metal or transfer paper. They are primarilyembroidered in a woven label format. They are thin, strong and have abreadth of approximately 0.675 mm in thickness, when viewed from a sideangle; they also appear as raised printing when viewed by the naked eye.

This Woven Label Applique′ can be worn on any cloth-like material orgarment, including but not limited to T-shirts, Polo Shirts,sweatshirts, jerseys, banlon shirts, sport shirts, dress shirts, skirts,dresses, blouses, shorts and other regular Shirts. Other usage shallinclude coats, jackets, sweaters, jeans and/or pants (of all types),hats, caps, scarves, handkerchiefs, duff bags, book bags luggage andmore. This invention could be the latest trend in fashionable design.This methodology is designed to titillate friendship, relativity,companionship, as well as a spontaneous interest between the sexes—forthose who understand and follow astrology or the zodiac, as well as forthose who may not. The “Astro-Patches” or appliques also denotes aclassy design and provide a profile image with greater credence andsocial definition of an individual's astrological or zodiac sign; and/ora delineation or listing an individual's positive traits.

An individual's astrological or zodiac sign denotes the traits andcharacteristics in people who are born under certain sun and star signs.According to the Wikipedia, “In astrology, the Signs of the Zodiacrepresent twelve equal segments or divisions of the zodiac. According toastrological theory, celestial phenomena reflect or govern humanactivity on the principle of ‘as above, so below’ so that the twelvesigns at the same time are held to represent twelve basic personalitytypes or characteristic modes of expressions. A star sign is simply thepopular name for a zodiac or astrological sign, one of the twelve signsof the zodiac which originated from the ‘stars’ or constellations of thesame name. Each of the zodiac or star signs occupies a different portionof the sky as seen from the earth, which remains fixed over time (or atleast changes very slowly over the centuries). By contrast a Sun signrefers to the star sign or zodiac that the sun happens to occupy in itsannual journey around the sky (different of course from its daily risingand setting). Sun signs last about a month each, as the sun travelsthrough each of the star signs over the course of a year. Because thecalendar is defined by the movement of earth around the sun, and itsorbit is very near circular, the sign in which the Sun falls on any dayof the year is fairly predictable (though it will vary a little due tothe effect of the extra day in leap years). In other words, it is veryeasy to know what any individual's sun sign is, as the only informationusually needed is their birthday”. From other sources and researchindicate: The Planets, “To ancient astrologers, the planets representedthe will of the gods and their direct influence upon human affairs”. “Tomodern astrologers the planets represent basic drives or impulses in thehuman psyche. Modern astrologers differ on the source of the planetpower. Some hold that the planets exert their influence directly throughgravitational or another unknown power. Others hold that the planetshave no direct influence in themselves, but are mirrors of basicorganizing principles in the universe”. The Elements: When astrologerscompare the compatibility between people, they also look at theelements, in that these are basic building blocks of the Zodiac. Theelements associated with an individual's sign provides further clues asto how ones traits are related or how one goes about things. Theelements are FIRE, EARTH, AIR, and WATER. Each of the elements embodiesthree (3) of the astrological or zodiac signs. Your associated elementendows one with certain qualities, which one shares with other membersin the group of the three signs.

This particular methodology of revealing and fashioning one'sastrological or zodiac sign is accomplished by use of existingembroidery, applique, digital imaging and print technology. Whereas,uniquely designed emblems are made into material patch appliques with aheat sealed backing or can be attached with other sealant or stitch-onmethods to be applied to garments, wearing apparel or other cloth-likematerials. Ideally, the most common means to attach such appliques areby use of a household iron or other iron-on applicators. These“Astro-Patches” or material appliques can adhere securely to virtuallyany cloth or cloth-like materials. The “Astro-Patch” can be stitched inplace for added security and applied to any desired location of suchmaterials, etc.

“Astro-patches” come in variable sizes and shapes in order to provideprospective customers with style, price options, as well as a moredescriptive fulfillment or relativity. They are artistically designedand digitized to accommodate such variable sizes and shapes. Otherapplications can be embroidered, metallically molded or printed directlyonto the garments, jewelry or other wearing apparel, where feasible;such as Caps, socks, belts, medallions, necklaces and other wearingapparel where one size fits all (See FIGS. 11 & 12). There are twelve(12) or more uniquely woven label or embroidered “Astro-Patches” orappliques, digital image or printed emblems. The “Astro-Patch” emblem isdesigned to be consistent with its own astrological or zodiac sign withthe accommodating and associated trait and attribute embroidered orprinted directly onto the applique or patch, digital image applicationor garments. Other iron-on “Astro-Patch” emblems are artisticallystructured emblems which denote the astrological or zodiac symbol and/orslogan name only; for those people who are more conservative in theirfashion perceptions (see FIGS. 8 & 9).

The material patches shall carry the name: “ASTRO-PATCH” (see FIGS. 1and 2); as it symbolizes an individual's astrological or zodiac sign,and the applicable personal attributes or the traits thereof Suchpersonal attributes or traits are shown in the “Astro-Patch” lowerbanner as follows:

1. Aries-Assertive•Adventurous•Honest•Highly Competitive . . .

2. Taurus-Affectionate •Dependable Sensuous•Resourceful . . .

3. Gemini-Articulate•Sociable•Versatile•Adventurous . . .

4. Cancer-Sensitive•Intuitive•Loving•Compassionate . . .

5. Leo-Creative•Fun-loving•Noble•Courageous . . .

6. Virgo-Perfectionist•Pragmatic•Compassionate•Dedicated . . .

7. Libra-Sophisticated•Sociable•Charming•Gentle . . .

8. Scorpio-Powerful•Passionate•Perceptive•Resourceful . ..

9. Sagittarius-Romantic•Intellectual•Fun-Loving•Inspiring . . .

10. Capricorn-Successful•Competent•Fearless•Loyal . . .

11. Aquarius-Creative•Sophisticated•Courteous•Intriguing . . .

12. Pisces-Highly Talented•Intuitive•Compassionate•Imaginative . . .

The following depicts a list of adjectives that help add uniqueness,flair, sophistication and class to an individual's astrological orzodiac sign. The following slogans are embroidered or printed directlyonto the “Astro-Patch” which precede the symbolic astrological or zodiacsigns (e.g., The Vivacious Leo):

1. The Triumphant Aries

2. The Sensational Taurus, or The Extraordinary Taurus

3. The Phenomenal Gemini

4. The Tenacious Cancer

5. The Vivacious Leo, or The Imperious Leo, or The Magnificent Leo

6. The Mysterious Virgo or The Amazing Virgo

7. The Magnanimous Libra

8. The Incredible Scorpio

9. The Resilient Sagittarius

10. The Invincible Capricorn

11. The Prestigious Aquarius

12. The Awesome Pisces

These slogans are located in the upper banner of the “Astro-Patch”applique′ design. Locations can vary depending a particular“Astro-Patch” design or the applique′ system.

The impending trademark name: “Astrologically Personal”, or “AP” to beplaced on garments, signage, as well as the “Astro-Patch” packaging. The“Astro-Patch” packaging, may or may not depict a chart displaying thedates associated with each individual's zodiac or astrologicalapplicability.

T-shirts and other garments are designed and produced primarily toaccommodate the Astro-Patch Applique system; however, the Astro-Patchcan be worn with or without the accommodating designer garments. TheT-shirts and other wearing apparel are designed and sold separately, andsuch apparel, may or may not display the words: “ASTROLOGICALLYPERSONAL” and/or the initials “AP”. (See FIGS. 5 and 6).

Also, another alternative methodology by which the “Astro-Patch” orapplique′ system is utilized and structured, are the “Astro-PatchMinis”. The “Astro-Patch Minis are assortments of heat activatedembroidered or woven label appliques′, that associates the relevantatmospheric elements and planetary environments with the personality,traits and love signs of individuals. They carry the name, “Astro-PatchMinis” because they are considerably smaller and shaped differently thanour standard “Astro-Patch” applique′ system. Individuals who believe andfollow the guidelines of astrology or the zodiac, may utilize thisapplique′ system as a Fashion Statement or, as a method in a socialenvironment to attract the soul mate attributes of the opposite sex.They can be worn and creatively arranged on trousers, T-shirts, or anycloth-like materials (same methodology as our standard “Astro-Patch”).These “Astro-Patch Minis deliver even greater fashionable design andindividual creativity, as well as the personality reveal and tendenciesof the sexes (See FIGS. 9 & 10). On my invention, this information canalso be digitally enhanced and printed directly onto the “Astro-Patch”,one-size fits all garments or any cloth-like materials; or molded ontojewelry or other accessories and products.

Another version of the “Astro-Patch” applique′ system is an assortmentof the associated atmospheric elements and planetary environments withthe personality, traits and Love Sign of individuals on a single“Astro-Patch” applique′ (See FIG. 13).

“Astro-Patch”

DRAWINGS Figures/Reference Numerals

FIG. 1—is a perspective illustration of a fully functional and completed“Astro-Patch”. This particular “Astro-Patch” represents The Libra Sign,an example of one (1) of twelve (12) astrological or zodiac signappliques′:

10. The upper banner, the astrological or zodiac sign's name preceded bya slogan; e.g.; “The Magnanimous Libra”—one (1) of twelve (12) sloganswhich adds flair to an individual's sign.

12. Depicts celestial stars in the cosmos.

14. Exemplifies celestial and astrological or zodiac symbols in thecosmos and shows all twelve (12) signs in a circular pattern.

16. The lower banner denotes four (4) words describing the positivetraits of an individual's astrological or zodiac sign.

18. Depicts a full size astrological or zodiac sign symbol relevant toan individual's birth date.

24. Shows an alternative or minimum version of the astrological orzodiac sign symbols.

22. Indicate (other emblems may not indicate) the words “star sign” and“Sun sign”.

20. The point at which an individual's astrological or zodiac sign isdisplayed.

26. The astrological or zodiac symbol for The Libra Sign.

FIG. 2—is a second perspective illustration of a fully functional andcompleted “Astro-Patch”. This particular “Astro-Patch” represents THEVIRGO SIGN; another Example of one (1) of twelve (12) astrological orzodiac sign symbols.

FIG. 3—is an illustration of a general “Astro-Patch” which representsthe format of all twelve astrological or zodiac signs with theapplicable data missing for greater clarity.

10. Indicates a circular emblem, which depicts a unique design.

12. Illustrates an area where a full size astrological or zodiac symbolto be inserted.

14. Depicts an area of the patch, applique or digital image applicationwhere the twelve (12) Astrological or zodiac signs are formed in acircular pattern.

16. Shows symbols revealed when not covered by upper banner.

18. Shows symbols revealed when not covered by lower banner.

20. Depicts the area where the celestial stars in the cosmos to beapplied.

FIG. 4—is a perspective view of an “Astro-Patch” emblem under phase twoconstruction With an outline of the upper and lower banners

FIG. 5—is an example of an “Astro” T-shirt.

10. Depicts a standard design of an “Astrologically Personal” T-shirt,without the “Astro-Patch”.

12 Reveals a celestial environment depicting a decorative cross-imagewith stars throughout; and a circle designating where the Astro-patch orApplique′ to be applied to the T-shirt.

14. Illustrates astrologically personal design

FIG. 6—is an illustration of an optional or alternative female designed“Astro or “AP” T-shirt”.

FIG. 7—indicates an optional “Astro-Patch” installed onto an“Astrologically Speaking” or “AP”. . . ” T-shirt.

10. An optional “Astro-Patch” applied to an “Astrologically Personal” or“AP” T-shirt

FIG. 8—is an illustration of an optional Astro-Patch for thoseindividuals who are more Conservative in style and preference in theirwearing apparel.

FIG. 9—an alternative methodology of an “Astro-Patch” or applique′system which associates the relevant atmospheric elements and planetaryenvironment with an individual's personality, traits and love signs,astrologically. There are twelve (12) signs among the associated groups.

10. symbolizes and indicates “AIR” among the system as an alternative“Astro-Patch” under the Libra Sign.

12. indicates in written format, the word air.

FIG. 10—is an alternative “Astro-Patch” which promotes the“Astrologically Personal” slogan and implies secrecy in conjunction withcuriosity, as it concurs with an individual's “Love Sign”.

10. indicates in written format, the words: “My Love Sign Is . . .Astrologically Personal”.

12. depicting variable celestial stars.

FIG. 11—another alternative sample “Astro-Patch” among the system underthe Libra Sign. There are twelve (12) alternative glyph of signs.

10. shows the glyph of the Libra Sign

12. indicate celestial stars.

FIG. 12—denotes the Libra Scale symbol, an alternative Astro-Patch.

10. indicates the Libra Scale.

12. indicate celestial stars.

FIG. 13—the associated planet, Venus under the Libra Sign.

10. illustrates the Planet Venus.

12. indicates in written format, the word Venus.

FIG. 14—a sample schematic of the many creative applications of thealternative Astro-Patch or applique′ system on a T-shirt and trousers.

FIG. 15—is an illustration of an alternative means of wearing theastrological or zodiac Astro-Patch on a cap or hat.

10. An example of an astrological or zodiac Astro-Patch worn on cap

12. A color-coded borderline applicable to the associated astrologicalor zodiac sign.

14. A triangle box, is one of several Applique′s which houses theastrological or zodiac sign data.

16. An example of one (1) of twelve (12) astrological or zodiacsigns—the Libra sign.

FIG. 15A—is a front and side angle view of an astrological or zodiacsign cap bearing an Astro-Patch.

FIG. 16—is a listing the astrological or zodiac symbols used the onAstro-Patches and emblems. The more expanded symbols will also beutilized.

FIG. 17—another alternative methodology of an “Astro-Patch” or applique′system which associates the relevant atmospheric elements and planetaryenvironment with an individual's personality, traits and love signsarranged in A single “Astro-Patch”.

FIG. 18—the “Astrologically Personal” slogan.

1. This idea is very different from prior art U.S. Pat. No. 4,513,454 of Apr. 30, 1985, which specifically relates to “designer type jeans having a zodiac symbol placed on a seat pocket” only—with no leading title or commentary regarding an individual's personal traits and the attributes of astrology or the zodiac. My “Astro-Patch” is structured to be used in a fashionable manner, which give greater social definition and depiction of the astrological or zodiac symbols, with each individual sign having its own powerful, descriptive and sophisticated title and/or unique delineation and layout of one's positive traits. My “Astro-Patch”, can be worn on virtually any garment or cloth-like materials. There are also specific wearing apparel and garments produced to be worn with or without said “Astro-Patch” applique′ format. An alternative methodology of an “Astro-Patch” or applique′ system are the “Astro-Patch Minis”, which associates the relevant atmospheric elements and planetary environment with the personality, traits and love signs of individuals (See FIGS. 9 & 10). Another version of the “Astro-Patch”, is an assortment and variety of mini astrological or zodiac symbols, used in a fashionable manner, that associate the atmospheric elements and planets with the personality, traits, and Love Signs of individuals onto a single “Astro-Patch” applique format (See FIG. 13). On my invention, this information can also be digitally printed or molded directly onto the “Astro-Patch” and one-size fits all garments, jewelry and other products. Many appliques have been provided in a prior art format, however, the “Astro-Patch” applique′ is unique and very different in it's methodology. e.g., the following are prior art that bears similarity: U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,513,454 (Zodiac Designer Jeans); 20090280290 (Heat activated applique′ with upper stretch fabric layer); D456,981 (Clothing patch) and 20100058510 (An article of apparel with interchangeable appliques) The reason a whole lot of fashionable thought has not been given to this idea by other inventors, regarding T-shirts and other wearing apparel at the retail level and on a wide scale bases, is because it is challenging to translate and associate a meaningful relevancy of astrology or the zodiac on wearing apparel for male and female in a unisex format. For instance, an individual's Virgo Sign denotes the words “The Virgin” as being symbolic of its characteristics. This may bring about reluctance from The Virgo Male to display such an image on fashionable wearing apparel. My invention addresses this stigma, in that it provides for both female and male applique versions. It promote total astrological pride, as well as depicts a class act in both male and female fashions. Also in order for a merchant to have in stock ten (10) garment items of twelve (12) astrological or zodiac signs in five (5) common sizes, i.e., Small, Medium, Large, X-Large and XX-Large. It would require on store racks a total of SIX HUNDRED (600) shirts or other garment items, creating a space and store-rack nightmare; including a considerable higher stock investment! This marred the thoughts of consideration for potential inventors and investors. e.g., when you figure: 10 SMALL SIZES×12-ASTROLOGICAL Signs=120 10 MEDIUM SIZES×12-ASTROLOGICAL SIGNS=120 10 LARGE SIZES×12-ASTROLOGICAL SIGNS=120 10 X-LARGE SIZES×12-ASTROLOGICAL SIGNS=120 10 XX-LARGE SIZES×12-ASTROLOGICAL SIGNS=120 (not considering 3X & 4X sizes, etc) TOTAL STOCK REQUIREMENT, FOR TEN (10) GARMENT ITEMS TO BE RETAINED ON STORE SHELVES, would be A STAGGERING 600 MERCHANTABLE ITEMS! However, by use of my “Astro-Patch” or Applique′ system, this problem is eliminated, saving the cost associated with maintaining a continued large inventory. i.e., to maintain an inventory of 10 items each. ONLY 50 VARIABLE SIZED GARMENTS ARE NEEDED TO MAINTAIN TEN (10) VARIABLE SIZES (ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL “ASTRO-PATCH” APPLIQUES′ THAT'S PRE-PACKAGE ON STORE COMPACT HANGING PEG RACKS-10×12/ASTROLOGICAL SIGNS). As anticipated applications for The Astro-Patch prescribed uniqueness, they can also be molded onto coffee mugs, picture frames, necklaces, chains, decals and stickers for automobiles and vehicles. Such decals can be placed on bumpers, windshields (in a safe location) or directly onto the exterior body of the vehicle. 